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Marathon, county preps for runners |
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Saturday, October 31 2009 |
With two weeks to go before Whitley County experiences its first 26.2 mile marathon, the stages of planning are in their final phases.
By ANDREW SHULTZ
Sports Editor
With two weeks to go before Whitley County experiences its first 26.2 mile marathon, the stages of planning are in their final phases.
“The race will go fine but it’s the little things that will make a good impression on the people coming from out of town,” race director Gary Bird said. “We’ve really got everything in place. Now, it’s just tying up loose ends.”
Columbia City mayor Jim Fleck signed a city proclamation for the marathon this week making a one- time dream a reality.
Six months ago, Bird and his marathon committee began the idea of an event to recognize what has at times been a forgotten holiday.
“Our goal for this from the start has been to bring back attention to Veterans Day,” Bird noted. “No matter what group or organization you are it’s important to thank your veterans.”
With nearly 300 runners participating, the outpour of marathon volunteers has come from all over the county.
Groups like the CCHS cross country teams, Friends of Eel River and the VFW are taking part in working at various aid stations.
“The more diverse the organizations shows how involved our county can be,” Bird commented. “A lot is unknown to people in this county. They don’t know quite how big the volume will be.”
Both the Quality and Executive Hotels in Columbia City are full with Whitley County Transit getting involved as transportation for runners.
With it being the inaugural year for the marathon, questions of road closings for the Nov. 14 race were comparable to another downtown event.
Committee member Mark Green, who is coordinating with local law enforcement, notes the downtown streets will be closed just as it is for Old Settlers Day with the addition of Market Street.
A good portion of the race will venture outside of city limits going first east then west of town. Concerns for safety of runners will have committee members out in the following weeks to answer questions and hand out flyers to residents along the course.
According to Bird, the biggest issue organizers are trying to avoid is loose animals along the course.
“Pets have got us nervous,” Bird admitted. “We ask that residents have their animals put away that morning to avoid any incidents. People need to have patience that morning because we don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
Festivities will begin the night before the race with packet pickup and an expo at the Whitley County YMCA. Also local restaurants including Big G’s Sports Cafe and Oliver’s have added spaghetti to their menus to support the runners.
On race day, the American Legion will present the colors. The race gets underway at 8 a.m. with an Air Force flyover at the start line.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, November 03 2009 )
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